Tag: jeannie waters

Plan Your Weeks with God

Jeannie Waters36 Comments on Plan Your Weeks with God

Are you a planner or a wisher? Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” 1   

I’m of the planner variety. I make lists beside my lists and, as my raised-on-the- farm husband says, “I grin like a mule eating briers” when I check off completed tasks. I enjoy the results for two reasons:   

  1. There’s one less item on the to-do list.
  2. I see progress toward a goal.

Some people prefer detailed planning systems. Others jot an informal to-do list for the next day or refer to a mental list as time and energy allow.

When December 31st arrives, we may have unmet goals, but if we plan instead of only wishing for improvement or progress, we’ll be more successful in meeting the goals we believe God wants us to accomplish. (In the last post, we considered Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals .)

This time let’s consider planning our week’s agenda. Whether the to-do list is on paper or in our heads, planning propels us toward milestones and helps prevent the discouragement of missed targets.

In case you think I have this all figured out, I’ll confess. I don’t. Allow me to share three lessons God is teaching me.

white book page beside green potted plant

Three Lessons on Planning Our Weeks with God

1. I’m learning to pray and read the Bible before I make plans.

Prayer is a two-way communication blessing of speaking and listening. God promises to guide us. When we seek His wisdom first, He teaches us His ways.

Proverbs 16:9 reads, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Although using our minds to make plans is good practice, God knows the future and the plans He has for us. What seems right to us is limited by human understanding. In His sovereignty, God guides us toward His perfect plan.

2. I’m learning to hold my plans loosely and say,

 If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.

James 4:15 ESV (All Scripture in the post is from the ESV.)

James instructs us to make this statement after he warns believers to avoid a prideful view of planning. After all—as he reminds us—we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. God does. His plans never fail.

3. I’m learning to trust God and avoid frustration when plans go awry.

When I’m busy, hours seem to melt away like a snowman on a warm day. When my to-do list lingers at day’s end, disappointment sometimes leads to frustration and anxiety, but God is teaching me to trust Him even then.

Although He expects us to use our gifts and opportunities, He’s more interested in our love for Him than our accomplishments.

Consider the acrostic I composed as a reminder to plan my weeks with God and thank Him at the end of each day—for accomplished tasks and those I transfer to the next day.      

grey and black pen on calendar book

P.   L.   A.  N. the Week with God

P     Pray throughout the day and enjoy an ongoing conversation with God.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, emphasis mine

The prayer life of Jesus wasn’t limited to morning quiet times or red lights. When we pray without ceasing and pause from activity to listen, the Holy Spirit directs us through the day.

When we include God in our activities and seek His guidance, we can experience His peace whether we’ve made progress on our list or not.

When we include God in our activities and seek His guidance, we can experience His peace whether we’ve made progress on our list or not. Share on X

L     Learn the Word and listen to the Author.

When we memorize Scripture, we can use it to fight spiritual battles as the Holy Spirit brings a passage to mind. God’s Word equips us to stand against the enemy who attempts to thwart our plans to serve God.

 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

A     Acknowledge your need for God and ask for His help.

The following verses remind us of our need:

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10

N     Notice the needs of others.

Although we strive to meet goals and stay on schedule, God sometimes puts someone in our path who needs our help, our time, or encouragement. We don’t want the busyness of our agenda to blind us to “divine interruptions.”

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10
green plant on white printer paper

Planning our weeks with God strengthens our relationship with Him, and the results far outweigh wishing for success or improvement.

Please share how you’re planning with God this year or tell us about a time a “divine interruption” changed your day. Your comments help all of us.

Checklist, Check, Marketing, Project

For thought-provoking words on priorities and to-do lists, read Katherine Pasour’s post, What’s on Your List? .

1 https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/eleanor_roosevelt_379411

Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals

Jeannie Waters26 Comments on Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals

The first time I heard the following quote by Zig Ziglar, it caused deep thought, although the concept is simple. “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” We don’t take a trip—even to the grocery store—without considering our destination and the purpose for going.  

If we drove around in circles without a specific destination and purpose for our errand, we’d waste valuable time and fuel. (And we’d be hungry later.)  

During the first month of a new year, we often set new goals as we aim for success. Perhaps recently you’ve considered the process and devised plans to exercise more, save money, memorize Scripture, or otherwise improve your life.

During New Year’s celebrations in the past, I’d seek God’s guidance for my life and set out to meet goals I believed He wanted me to accomplish. But somehow, along the way, I’d lose focus and forget some of them. I stayed busy and often finished projects, learned new skills, and met new people–all worthy pursuits. But some of the most important God-given goals were not met.

When I sought God’s help, He began to teach me about seeking and fulfilling the plans He has for my life. Allow me to share what I’m learning.

Three Ways to Meet God-Given Goals

  1. Follow the example of Jesus.

While reading John 17, I paused at verse four. Shortly before His death, Jesus spoke to the Father. He said,

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

John 17:4 ESV

Like the earlier quote, this verse is comprehensible, but it provoked deep thought. Jesus accomplished the work God gave Him to do. Will I?

Jesus understood God’s plan, accepted His assignment, kept His aim on the goal, and fulfilled His purpose. God’s plan of redemption included Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of mankind. Mission accomplished.

Jesus only walked the dusty roads of this earth for about thirty-three years, yet He met the goal God had established by accomplishing all the Father designated for Him to do.

When I pondered this truth, I remembered God also assigned work for believers to do.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

What a staggering thought—before I surrendered my life to Christ, even before I was born, God planned good works for me to do—works that would honor Him and bless the people He’d place in my path.

When I meet Jesus face-to-face, will I be able to say I’ve accomplished all He’s given me to do?  How will I set goals and reach them in a way that pleases Him and reverberates into eternity for His sake?

How will I set goals and reach them in a way that pleases God and reverberates into eternity for His sake? Share on X

As always, the Word of God holds the answers to our questions and includes the life of Jesus which provides a pattern for us. Here’s an example.

A sunset-to-sunrise story from the life of Jesus illustrates the reason He accomplished the goals assigned to Him. One afternoon as the sun nestled into the horizon, many people brought the sick to Jesus. He laid His hands on each one and healed them.  At daybreak, He went to an isolated place, but the people found Him and tried to persuade Him to stay.

When they attempted to hinder His departure, He said,

I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.

Luke 4:43 ESV

Jesus continued His travels, not because He had no mercy for those who begged Him to stay, but because His eyes were riveted on the ultimate goal. Distractions and the pleas of others failed to divert His attention from God’s plan.

I imagined the tasks He could have chosen throughout His earthly ministry and how He could have spent His time. He could have physically righted more wrongs as He did when the money changers set up tables in the temple. He could have extended His lessons on the Scriptures, healed all the sick, or turned water into wine at every wedding.

But He didn’t. Jesus knew God’s truths, understood His mission and kept His eyes on the goal. Then He could say with confidence He’d accomplished the work the Father planned for Him.

Unlike Jesus, my eyes often drift away from God-designed goals toward tasks I want to do or feel I need to do. Jesus didn’t allow “good things” to hinder the “best thing.” His eyes remained focused on God-given goals. If I follow the example of Jesus, He will help me follow His plan.

2. Seek and follow God’s guidance through prayer and Bible study.

Through prayer and Bible study, we can discern God’s will for our lives, and with His power working in us, we can live in a way that pleases Him. His Spirit enables us to complete the work He gives us to do when we yield our weaknesses to His strength. He forgives us when we repent of sin and return to His plan. When our focus drifts or we’re tempted to go our own way, our wise Shepherd guides us toward the right path. What an exciting daily adventure to partner with Jesus as we do the work God assigned to us and meet His expectations.

3. Keep a journal about what God is teaching you.

Rather than praying and creating a finite list of goals in the early days of January, I recorded them in a journal along with questions, one goal per page. As God answers my questions and continues to teach and transform me, I’m adding notes and verses to each page. Recording truths He shows me secures my focus and helps me meet God-given goals for my life. I’m still learning, and I’m thankful God continues to teach me.

The year is still new. Eleven months stretch before us if the Lord wills. Let’s follow the example of Jesus by setting our aim on God’s plan for our lives, continuing to seek His guidance through prayer and Bible study, and taking notes as He teaches us. My prayer is that you and I will lean in close to our heavenly Father and “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 ESV).

How do you determine God’s will for your life? Please share the ways you choose goals and plan to reach them.

365 New Year’s Gifts for You

Jeannie Waters22 Comments on 365 New Year’s Gifts for You

When we exchange the sweaters that don’t fit and donate duplicate items we received for Christmas, we still have more gifts to open. Yes, after the fireworks fizzle, we will awaken to God’s gift of a new year, a set of 365 days (Lord willing).  

Like a holiday jigsaw puzzle, the days will fit together nicely with the last piece inserted next New Year’s Eve. How shall we begin our conversation about the new year? (If you don’t mind, let’s postpone a discussion of New Year’s resolutions like losing weight and exercising, although they’re worthy goals.)

Let’s begin with thoughts of new beginnings.

  • If you’re a planner, new goals and a refreshed schedule will energize you.
  • If you love cooking, a new winter soup recipe will excite you.
  • If you enjoy Bible study, the first few pages of a new book will encourage you.  

Although the new year arrives wrapped with shiny anticipation of these and other opportunities and joys, our challenges won’t disappear when we purchase a new paper calendar or download a digital one. Some of the old dilemmas linger, and additional ones emerge.

Concerns about our family, health, jobs, finances, relationships, and a world teeming with problems can urge us to pull the cover over our heads instead of greeting each day with a smile.

Let’s unwrap a verse that encourages us to put on our slippers and dance into each new day—at least in our hearts.

The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail.
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  

Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB

These verses and others assure us that the lovingkindness of God is unhindered, unfailing, and unending. We face trials and suffer for sinful choices requiring repentance, but His mercies continue to beam from heaven with each sunrise.   

God’s mercies are new on January first, July fourth, and next New Year’s Eve. Every year His blessings are new for each of 365 days.

God's mercies are new on January first, July fourth, and next New Year’s Eve. Every year His blessings are new for each of 365 days. Share on X

The Bible doesn’t promise easy days filled with our favorite things. In fact, every day that ends in “y” holds challenges and temptations. But if we meditate on the verses above, our hearts can sing out in praise to our heavenly Father, “Great is Your faithfulness.”

As we replace last year’s calendar with a new one—despite the challenges—we can embrace the new year with joy. For in it reside 365 gifts—days filled with the adventure of walking with Jesus, learning more about Him, and sharing His love with others.

Coffee, Book, Caffeine, Cup, Espresso

Among His new morning mercies are the gifts of joy, hope, love, and wisdom, as well as conviction, correction, and lessons we need to learn. God is a good Father who knows what we need and leads us to obey Scripture’s commands for His glory and our good.

 Are you asking God to give you specific gifts this year? Perhaps we’ll request a deeper knowledge of Him, more commitment to pray for others, and new opportunities to serve others and share the good news of salvation in Christ.

If you haven’t accepted God’s greatest gift, salvation in Christ, surrender to His Lordship today and begin the new year marveling at His mercies.

I’m praying you’ll enjoy this new year of adventure with God as we open His gifts and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity” (2 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Please share with all of us: What verse or truth about God makes you eager to open the next gift of a new day? Which of His gifts are you most thankful for?

If you have friends who would enjoy my posts, please share the link. New subscribers will automatically receive a welcome gift–“10 Easy Appetizer Ideas & Recipes.” Perfect for New Year’s Eve and other times.

Happy New Year, New Year'S Day

Let His Light Shine This Christmas

Jeannie Waters28 Comments on Let His Light Shine This Christmas

God used a decades-old decoration to shine His light into my heart and into our Christmas celebration.

After my husband affixed our lighted three-feet-tall Christmas star to the front of the house, he said, “Instead of adding white lights all the way across the shrubbery this year, I think I’ll only put them on the corner bushes. The star shines brighter when it’s the only light at the center of the house.”

His observation led my thoughts to the star over the manger and a question. Am I allowing the light of Christ Jesus to shine brightly as I celebrate Christmas, or are the competing “lights” of activity in my life interfering with His glow?

I turned to Matthew, chapter two, and read the familiar account of the original Christmas star. The magi journeyed to Jerusalem, then to Bethlehem by following a divine GPS—the light of a brilliant star. Unhindered, the heavenly light moved ahead of them through the night sky, then stopped above the house where Mary and Joseph lodged.

The Magi, Comet, Christmas, Epiphany

When the visitors saw the Christ Child, they “fell down and worshiped Him,” then presented kingly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11 NASB).

Like the magi, we can rejoice at the birth of the Savior, worship Him, and give gifts to honor Him. But first, let’s fix our gaze on the Lord as firmly as the ancient travelers did, and ensure that no other “lights” or distractions divert our attention and overshadow His light.

Let’s ask ourselves the following questions to help us keep our gaze on the Lord so that His light shines forth from our celebration.

  • Am I enjoying His presence while I purchase and wrap presents?
  • Am I feasting on His Word before I plan dinner for family and baked goods for neighbors?
  • Am I listening for His voice while I enjoy the sounds of the season?
  • Am I spending more time talking with God than I spend chatting about my to-do list?
  • Am I allowing the love of Jesus to shine to others instead of letting my expectations hinder relationships?
  • Who will see the light of Christ shining from my life this Christmas season?

Now that I’ve pondered these questions, my heart is refocused, and my to-do list is shorter. (Confession: If filling the calendar were an Olympic sport, I’d win a gold medal. Activity can quickly consume my thoughts and divert my attention.) Although this month will be busy still, we’ll enjoy God’s presence and His peace more as we focus on Him.

Like the Christmas star led the magi to the manger, the Light of the World draws us to accept God’s eternal gift of salvation in Christ. Once we surrender our lives to Jesus, He produces joy and peace that shine from our hearts as the Christmas star shone from the heavens. We can tell others about the light of hope that led us to Him and the difference He makes in our daily lives. 

Like the Christmas star led the magi to the manger, the Light of the World draws us to accept God’s eternal gift of salvation in Christ. Share on Xgreen Christmas tree
Christmas Baubles, Christmas Tree

Like the magi, believers have much to celebrate—the presence of our living Lord. In addition to prayer, Bible study, and worship, we can also honor Him when we sing, bake, shop, give gifts, laugh, and enjoy family and friends.

The translucent Christmas star on the front of our house takes center stage and shines brightly without the competition of other lights. May the light of Christ take center stage in our hearts and shine brightly as we celebrate His birth.  

May the light of Christ take center stage in our hearts and shine brightly as we celebrate His birth. Share on X

Please share your thoughts on ways to honor Jesus as we celebrate His birth and look forward to His sure return. And as you share them, think about our participation in all things Christmas. The following verses will help us keep our gaze on the Lord:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17 NASB

Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NASB

Here’s an excellent post by my friend, Sylvia Schroeder. Her descriptions of the magi presenting gifts led me to worship. https://sylviaschroeder.com/my-christmas-gift-bought-with-a-childs-heart/

Candle, Light, Eve, Advent, Christ Feast

The Blessings We Forget

Jeannie Waters26 Comments on The Blessings We Forget

Even in the season of Thanksgiving, we can forget precious blessings from God. This week, when I read an email from a friend, I realized my gratitude list needed work.

In the email, our friends, Chip and Susie, requested prayer and shared news of Will, their friend who’d been bedridden since January 2—for ten long months.

One illness had led to another until Will was too weak after hospitalization to make the required progress for admittance into rehab. He believed he’d never walk again.

Hannah, Will’s wife, cared for him the best she could and called for medical transport when appointments were necessary.

Sad to see his friend incapacitated, Chip prayed and studied YouTube videos. He then asked if he could try to help. First, he carefully lifted Will into a wheelchair and pushed him down the sidewalk to visit neighbors.

Hannah, his wife, stood on the grass and watched Will draw in deep breaths of fresh air and throw his head back to gaze into the sky. When she watched neighbors come outside to greet her husband and heard his laughter and lively conversation, joy tears trickled down her cheeks.

The blessings?

  • Fresh air.
  • A change of scenery—from four walls to the crimson reds, fiery oranges, and sunny yellows of fall
  • The sound of birds chirping and a dog barking
  • The welcoming smiles of friends and jovial laughter

I’m quite sure Will and Hannah thanked God for those blessings—the blessings we tend to forget.

Would you like to hear more good news? After continued prayer and study, Chip is helping Will learn to walk again.

Will takes small steps and only a few at a time, but with determination and the hope of acceptance into rehab, he believes he will walk again. As he makes painstaking progress, Hannah observes from across the room where she claps and smiles through teary eyes.

After reading Susie’s email, I walked outside and took deep breaths of crisp fall air, then I thanked God I could walk, breathe fresh air, and hear the crunch of fallen leaves under my feet.

I also thanked Him I could serve as the hands and feet of Jesus as Chip and Susie did.

During this season of Thanksgiving, my gratitude list will be a little longer. What about yours?

Let’s express our thanks to God through His Word for the blessings we remember and the ones we forget to notice. 

Let’s express our thanks to God through His Word for the blessings we remember and the ones we forget to notice. Share on X
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is maple-leaves-2789234__480.jpg

Let’s thank Him and praise Him for who He is.

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.

Psalm 95:1-3 NKJV

 Let’s thank Him …

For His goodness and His mercy.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34 NKJV

For this day He has made.

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 NKJV

For salvation in Christ, a free gift to all who surrender to Jesus Christ our Lord.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 NKJV

Apples, Leaves, Fall, Still Life, Basket

Please tell us about a blessing you appreciate or a gratitude verse you enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends.